‘Beautiful soul’: Young woman killed in horror mine explosion
The tight-knit mining community of Cobar is in mourning after an underground blast killed two of their own, including a 24-year-old woman.
A young Cobar woman has been remembered as a “beautiful soul” after she and another man were tragically killed in a mining explosion that experts say “never should have happened”.
Twenty-four-year-old Holly Clarke was part of a trio involved in the shocking incident, which occurred in the depths of the PolyMetals Endeavor Mine around 3.45am on Tuesday.
After setting explosive discs on the wall of the mine, the miners were set to return to the surface, however the discs detonated before they could ascend, tragically killing Ms Clarke and Ambrose Patrick McMullen.
A second woman – 24-year-old Mackenzie Stirling – was flown to Orange Hospital suffering from hearing damage and shock, with paramedics seen frantically working to stabilise her at the scene.
Investigations are now underway to determine why the discs detonated immediately, during what should have been a routine exercise.
Ms Clarke had been working at the PolyMetals mine for several years, having followed in the footsteps of her family and older siblings, several of whom are also in the mining industry.
The Clarkes are Cobar locals, and the 24-year-old is well-known in the local community, having attended the local high school.
In a tribute to social media, one friend remembered Ms Clarke as a “beautiful soul” who was “taken far too soon”.
Ms Clarke’s co-workers joined her family in Cobar to mourn her death on Tuesday afternoon, remembering their friend and loved one.
Tributes are also pouring in from Cootehill in Ireland for Mr McMullen, affectionately known as Ambie, who died in the explosion.
Friends and neighbours say he had made Australia his home for several years, where he lived with his wife and family.
Mining and Energy Union district president Bob Timbs told reporters on Tuesday there had been a “catastrophic failure” in the explosion system.
“In this day and age, that type of accident just should not have happened,” he said.
“We will do everything in our power – once we’ve dealt with and supported the families and mine workers in the community – to find out what happened and make sure that it never happens again.”
Cobar Shire Mayor Jarrod Marsden described the incident as “absolutely tragic” for the local community, which thrives on mining.
“The most valuable thing in a mine are the miners, and two families won’t see their loved ones again,” Mr Marsden said.
Meantime NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos expressed their sorrow over the deaths of the two workers, describing it as a devastating loss for the local community and the broader industry.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the workers who have tragically died in Cobar today,” they said in a joint statement.
“This is a heartbreaking day for the Cobar community and will be felt across the entire mining industry.
“We understand investigations are still underway. The number one priority in any mine must be safety. Everyone who goes to work has the right to come home.
“While safety protocols and procedures have greatly improved in mining, these deaths are a sobering reminder of why we need to always remain vigilant to protect workers.”
The Endeavor Mine, a significant producer of silver, zinc, and lead, sits about 40 kilometres north of Cobar and is now operated by Polymetals, after it took over two years ago.
General Manager Matt Gill said he expected the mine to be closed for some time following the tragedy.
“Obviously there will be an investigation, and only when it’s deemed safe by the inspector of police and the mine owners will we consider reopening,” he said.
In a statement, NSW Police confirmed officers were assisting SafeWork NSW in its investigation.
Do you know more? Message 0481 056 618 or email tips@dailytelegraph.com.au
